One year ago Tuesday, Tootoo was in a different spot. He had a problem. He knew it. The Predators knew it. Those who cared for him knew it.

But nothing had been done to alter it. That all changed on Dec. 19, when Tootoo decided he didn't want to drink anymore. And one year later he has morphed into a stronger hockey player, a diligent member of the Nashville and hockey communities and a role model for multiple people.

"He was in a lonely place," Predators coach Barry Trotz said. "He's not so lonely anymore."

On Dec. 27, 2010, the Predators returned from St. Louis, where they lost 2-0 to the Blues. Tootoo had played almost 15 minutes. Just a few days earlier, he had determined that he needed to take control of his problem.

It wasn't a snap decision for Tootoo, one of the most popular and recognizable Predators. It was something he, and the Predators, wrestled to get under control for some time.

"I think Jordin needed to be pointed in that direction," Trotz said "I hate to say that, but he needed to be pointed in that direction. It wasn't a one-time thing. It was many meetings and many situations over the course of his career in Nashville."

The Predators organization is known as one of the more nurturing in the NHL. Often, when a player is traded to Nashville, it's not uncommon that Trotz picks them up at the airport. The Predators pride themselves on their familial atmosphere.

But like a parent with a child, a sterner approach is sometimes needed. One year ago, the Predators decided to use a stronger approach on Tootoo.

General manager David Poile told him, "You have a problem and you're not helping our team, you're not helping your teammates. You have to have trust in what those around you are saying. We all care about you, please do this for us. More importantly, please do this for yourself."

It was then that Tootoo realized he needed to set his life on a different path.

On Dec. 27, he informed the Predators that he would enter the NHL/NHL Players' Association Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program. Later that day, he was on a plane to a rehab center.

"I had it set in my gut that this was the time to fix things, and my flight over there, it all sunk in," Tootoo said. "I kind of said, 'holy (crap), this is for real' but I didn't know what to expect."

When he returned to game action on Feb. 19, 2011, there was a noticeable difference in Tootoo as a player. He notched a career-best three points in one game against Atlanta on April 5. He notched five points in six playoff games against Anaheim.

Back then he didn't have time to throw himself into charity work. He had to adjust his new lifestyle in-season on the fly. That has changed this year.

On Dec. 4, Tootoo spent a Sunday afternoon at Green Hills Mall, collecting toys for a Salvation Army toy drive.

Recently, as part of the NHLPA Goals and Dreams program, Tootoo, who hails from Rankin Inlet, Canada, which is just south of the Arctic Circle, gave 32 sets of new hockey equipment to the Hall Beach Girls Hockey Association, located in a remote community in northern Canada.

Tootoo proudly wears his Team Tootoo hat after almost every practice. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee established the Team Tootoo fund in 2011. Its website says it helps "non-profits addressing suicide awareness and prevention, as well as non-profits supporting children and teens in need."

On top of this, Tootoo has continued his rugged style of play with an added offensive flair. He's on a pace to produce 34 points, which would top his previous career best of 18. He has 11 points in his last 14 games.

"I think he truly realizes the role model he is because of who he is," Poile said. "Now, with a clear head and a positive attitude on a daily basis, it's coming to him a lot easier."

Still, there's the natural fear of relapse.

Trotz said he checks in with Tootoo on a constant basis to make sure he's OK. This team also has a kindred spirit in sobriety with Tootoo — enforcer Brian McGrattan. He is three years sober, and is as vociferous in his anti-drinking beliefs as he is with his violent punches in hockey fights.

"I went for a reason — I never wanted to have a drink again," McGrattan said. "In the back of my mind, that's what I base my life around."

In the world of professional sports, alcohol is prevalent. Players are young, they like to have fun, and they have money.

But McGrattan and Tootoo have stayed away from these temptations. Through this, they've developed a bond. If there's a day off on a long road trip and some of their teammates want to go out, Tootoo and McGrattan find their enjoyment hanging out with one another.

"Everything probably hasn't been gravy for him the last year, but he has pushed through it," McGrattan said. "He hasn't had a drink. And anybody who can do that, I have the utmost respect for."

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